BI : What leadership traits do you feel are most needed by those working in the marine industry today and why ? SB : Honesty , because that builds trust . Respect , because that builds trust . Faith in your people , because that builds trust . Trust builds success .
BI : What has been your key ( s ) to success in carving out a successful and enduring marine industry career ? SB : My willingness to not give in , and my friendships with other women in the industry .
BI : Who have been your mentors , and how did they inspire , teach and encourage you ? SB : First is Marcia Kull who is retired and loving life ! She worked at Volvo both in sales and legal . She was an inspiration to all the women at Volvo and carried the torch for our group . She would organize events like women ’ s fishing trips . Most of the ladies had never fished before , and we experienced it all : flats fishing , deep sea fishing and fly fishing .
Next is Ann Baldree , VP Sales at Chaparral Boats . Ann is classy and represents all of the women in the industry . If you added all the characteristics that make up that perfect person , it would be Ann . She is intelligent , smart , charming , gracious , kind , and giving .
Adding to the list is Joan Maxwell , president of Regulator Boats . I have not known Joan that long , but I had the opportunity this past year to spend some time with her at a boat show and listen to her speak at an event . She totally moved my heart .
Those who know me , know I will call and say , “ You have been on my heart .” This means I need to listen to or reach out to you . So , Joan was put on my heart . She made me think about how lucky I am to be in this industry where I connect with such wonderful people . She is a testament to faith in both God and people . When I think about truly good people , she is the person who pops into my mind , and I aspire to emulate her generosity of spirit .
Last , but not least is my good friend Tony Kelleher , VP of Customer Support and Training at Volvo Penta . Tony has been with me through the saddest parts of my life , like death in my family , to the happiest times , including celebrating my accomplishments . We ’ ve spent many memorable times with our customers discussing how we can continue to grow and improve the business , as well as celebrating their accomplishments .
Tony has talked me off the ledge when it comes to managing both up and down the corporate ladder . He always has the time for his employees and genuinely cares about people . He asks about their families , and he knows about our customers . Everyone in the industry who knows him is truly grateful to have him as part of their marine family .
BI : What advice do you offer young women considering a marine industry career ? SB : You are smart and don ’ t forget it . If you want this , stay with it because it is a rewarding career .
BI : How about women currently working in the marine industry who have long-term aspirations ? SB : Some days are hard , but you have each other . Feel free to pick up
Fishing brings a big smile during snapper season in Islamorada .
the phone and ask someone for help . Seek out an engineer who wants to teach you about products . Find the people who want to see you succeed and avoid the ones who don ’ t .
BI : Your advice for young people desiring a career in the marine industry ? SB : You must dedicate the time . If you are not willing to dedicate the time , you need to find a different career path . This job is not a job , it ’ s a lifestyle that becomes part of you because our customers use our products outside of business hours .
BI : What is the biggest challenge you see facing the industry in the short and long-term ? SB : Short term : what is the economy going to do in the next six months ? In addition , will we still continue to have parts shortages ?
Long-term : How are we going to sustain the boating industry ? Who can afford boating ? Are the middle-class boaters going to return , or have they been permanently priced out of the lifestyle ?
BI : When you ’ re not working , what ’ s on your agenda for fun ? SB : Fishing ! Cooking , being outside and hanging with my friends and family .
BI : Your top business book and author ? SB : My foundation author is Dr . Norman Vincent Peale and his Power of Positive Thinking . My dad made me read it , and it ’ s the best book a woman could have .
My favorite lines : “ Formulate and stamp indelibly on your mind a mental picture of yourself as succeeding . Hold this picture tenaciously . Never permit it to fade .” This is important because we always tend to go towards the negative when things are not going our way . We think it ’ s our fault , and we are not very forgiving of our own mistakes .
The most recent book that influenced my business mindset was 212 The Extra Degree : Extraordinary Results Begin With One Small Change , by Sam Parker and Mac Anderson . It confirmed my philosophy of not getting upset when encountering obstacles ; instead , go that extra step to achieve success .
BI : Finally , any words you live by ? SB : “ Treat others the way you want to be treated .” I always remember my dad telling me to “ Do the right thing !”
Also : Find the thing that makes your heart happy …” the marine industry and its people have been mine !
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